RALEIGH, NC (April 12, 2002) – Jason Karmanos, Vice President and Assistant General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, today announced the team has signed defenseman Tomas Malec (TAW-mahsh MA-lehts) to a three-year contract. Malec, who recently completed his second season with Rimouski Oceanic of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), will join the Hurricanes’ American Hockey League affiliate in Lowell, Mass., for the playoffs. His three-year contract with the Hurricanes will begin in the 2002-03 season.

“Tomas is a solid all-around defenseman with strong offensive abilities,” said Karmanos. “He has good size, ability and skill and we are looking forward to watching him as he begins his professional career.”

Malec (6’2’’, 195 lbs.) tallied 46 points (14g, 32a) for Rimouski Oceanic in 2001-02. He was acquired by Carolina from the Florida Panthers along with Bret Hedican, Kevyn Adams and a conditional second-round draft pick in exchange for Sandis Ozolinsh and Byron Ritchie. A native of Slovakia, Malec was selected by Florida in the third round (64th overall) of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. He completed his junior hockey career with 109 points (27g, 82a) in 124 games.